sugarpova

Recently I’ve been really busy juggling my time among work, school, and blogger duties, I barely have any time for myself. Other than food, my usual destressors are sleep, quality time with loved ones, and traveling. Would you believe that I actually have to schedule all of them just to get that much-needed break? Yes, even sleep. This trip to La Union with my housemates and friends was scheduled a month prior to our actual trip. You can imagine my excitement when the day finally came.

When asked about my favorite travel destination, the beach always tops the list. The idea of a man-made resort (aka swimming pool) has never really appealed to me since childhood. When my relatives would decide upon spending our family reunions in pools, I would daydream about spending my days in the beach instead. I just don’t get it. Who doesn’t like seeing the sea and the great blue sky? I think they’re the most wonderful things on earth, I will never trade the beach for any other travel destination.

Oh to travel and see the rest of the world! It has always been my dream but it was only in 2011 that I got around to doing it. That year was when Chad and I became a couple. After being friends for more than a decade, fate finally nodded in our direction and permitted us to be together. (Wow, that sounded so cheesy but I can’t help but be all mushy when I think about our history together haha!) I didn’t expect that this guy who I loved since I was 13 is the same person who would eventually help me begin fulfilling some of my dreams. I learned to be more spontaneous because of him. During our first two weeks as a couple we embarked on our first trip to Zambales without much planning. It was scary for me because before, I avoid uncertain situations. I always had to know what’s coming so I can prepare. That attitude of mine often snuffed the fun out of things, it became a bit tiresome. Things changed when Chad came into my life. After Zambales, we visited a number of surfing spots in Luzon such as Daet, La Union, Baler, and Ilocos.

He taught me how to ride a surf board and skim board. I got some bruises in return, but the pain was no match for all the amazing stuff I experienced. And then I realized, we cannot learn if we don’t unlearn a few things. My fear of the unknown, that sense of wanting to be in control all the time has always prevented me from experiencing wonderful things. So I’m extremely grateful for the people who’ve encouraged me to just relax and go with the flow. It’s kinda surprising how I, Chad, and my friends have developed similar temperaments, especially when it comes to traveling. I am still fighting the urge to plan everything, but I think I’m getting there.

Terranova swimsuit | Sunnies by Charlie sunglasses

Sometimes I wonder why we castigate people so much for changing. For me, change is fine as long as it makes you a better person. I would rather be different, in a positive way, than get stuck to the same immature, self-destructive person that I was. Coming to Manila in 2010 made me discover things about myself, career, and life in general. Since I’m far away from my family, I needed to develop a thick skin but at the same time be more open to my loved ones. I used to keep all my problems to myself when I was still in Naga, which only worsened every situation.

Decided to ditch makeup, so here’s my bare face. 🙂

And then one day four years ago, after a horrible breakup, I decided I will be better. Change takes a lot of courage and determination. We sometimes get too comfortable with the person that we are now, but I’ve learned that if I want to make my life worthwhile I have to improve myself. That attitude has helped me and my loved ones in so many ways, and that’s enough reason for me to keep on developing as person. What other people say about me is irrelevant.

So go live your life to what you think is best. If you’re not stepping on anyone while on your journey to a better you, then by all means continue. 🙂

Search

Hey there! My name is Daphne and I am based in Tampa Bay, Florida.
This blog has been my digital home since 2010. I initially created Metamorphosis as an outlet for my thoughts but eventually focused on my (questionable) style, beauty routines, and adventures.